Who could manage a football team? A specific temperament, self-assurance, and determination are necessary for success in the field of football management. Even amid sensitive situations like questionable VAR rulings, some coaches show tolerance with their players while controlling their emotions.
However, British football has produced some remarkable characters and has come to represent the fiery and hot-headed temperament of football coaching. Many British managers from the past and present exhibit every quality that makes a strong hero or villain in a Hollywood football movie.
It would be reasonable to assume that Mike Bassett, the manager of England, was modelled after Sam Allardyce. Unfortunately, during his brief time with the national squad, the abrasive former Three Lions coach told the media that he would be playing “four, four, f*****g, two.”
Allardyce was only one of several outrageous figures to enter the British football manager’s dugout. Nevertheless, these coaches were more often found on the touchline, berating the fourth official or invading, than in the dugout.
The 11 most bizarre managers in British football history are ranked below, including those who have fought for Premier League and Scottish Premiership championships.
Ranking Elements
Characteristics
Moments to remember
Famous sayings
Disputes
11Alan Pardew
Career span: 1998 – Present
Let’s begin with Alan Pardew, so get your tambourines ready. The former manager of Crystal Palace is a distinctive figure whose samba movements during the FA Cup final in 2016 might have belonged on Strictly. Fans may find his dancing entertaining, but throughout his managing career, he has also shown a certain haughtiness that has annoyed them.
Pardew has lost FA Cup finals twice, once with Palace ten years ago and once with West Ham United in 2006. The shady nature of the former Newcastle United manager has resulted in a number of difficult situations, including altercations with players, managers, and supporters. He even headbutted David Meyler of Hull City in 2014 after squabbling with legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in 2006.
Exactly 10 years ago, Alan Pardew headbutted David Meyler in a match between Hull City and Newcastle United 😳
One of the craziest moments in Premier League history 😬 pic.twitter.com/sPiZ2LmspP
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) March 1, 2024
During his managerial career, Alan Pardew managed Reading, West Ham, Charlton, Southampton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and West Brom. His accomplishments included winning the Football League Cup Trophy 10 times with Sam Allardyce.
10Sam Allardyce
Career span: 1994–2003
Allardyce, one of the liveliest characters in British football, frequently had both himself and his supporters in stitches. He laughed in the face of Chico Flores from Swansea City, which was a comical occurrence. In a fantastic response to Jose Mourinho’s criticism of his style of play, the outspoken Englishman told the former Chelsea manager,
Surely he can’t handle it? We’ve outwitted and outtacticked him, so he can’t handle it. He simply cannot handle it.
Allardyce once asserted that he was tactically comparable to rival managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, who had won titles. Although he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, he was also respected by his teammates, and his tenure at Bolton Wanderers may merit greater acknowledgement. After leading the Trotters to promotion in his second season, he qualified for the UEFA Cup in 2005.
The Managerial Career of Sam Allardyce
Famous Clubs Run
Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham, Sunderland, England, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Brom, Leeds, Blackpool, Notts County
Successes
Expert in Relegation Battles
9Sir Alex Ferguson
Career span: 1974–2013
Sir Alex Ferguson is the most renowned manager in British football history, and his achievements are truly remarkable. During his 27-year tenure at Man United, the legendary Scottish coach won 38 major trophies, including 13 Premier League crowns. Fergie will undoubtedly appear if you search for longevity in a dictionary.
Ferguson, however, was one of the most unruly coaches to ever grace the English game because of his short fuse and haughty demeanour. He intimidated both his players and the media, who were afraid of offending him. After arguing with the Scot, prominent figures including Paul Ince, Roy Keane, David Beckham, and Jaap Stam left.
When the United-Arsenal rivalry was at its height, Ferguson frequently clashed with other managers, especially Arsene Wenger. In addition, numerous players endured the punishment of the notorious “hairdryer” that the former Aberdeen manager inflicted on them when they disobeyed him.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Career as a Manager
Distinguished Clubs Run
Aberdeen, Scotland, Man United, St. Mirren, and East Stirling
Achievements
League Cup x4, Community Shield x10, FIFA Club World Cup x2, UEFA Super Cup x2, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, FA Cup x5, Scottish Championship x3, Scottish Cup x4, Scottish League Cup, Intercontinental Cup
8 Jim McLean’s career spanned 1971 to 1993.
The late Jim McLean, the most successful and longest-serving manager of Dundee United, was known for his grit and passion, which led to some shocking moments. In an interview as the club’s chairman in 2000, he once punched BBC reporter John Barnes. McLean turned Dundee into a European powerhouse, leading the Scottish team to two consecutive European Cup semi-finals and leading the Terrors to the Scottish title in 1983. His youth policy was crucial to his success at Tannadice Park. He was called a “bully” for his approach regarding the contractual status of young players, but he was also one of Scotland’s greatest coaches. Notable Clubs Managed Dundee United Achievements: Scottish Championship, Scottish League Cup x2 7 John Sitton Career span: 1992–2007
When managers are reprimanding their squad, foul language is customary in the dressing room, but John Sitton went above and above. The Orient Club For A Fiver documentary on Channel 4 explored Leyton Orient’s inner turmoil as the manager, who was born in Hackney, attempted to guide the ship.
Sitton’s incredible outbursts, such as offering two players a fight at halftime when Blackpool Town was ahead 1-0, made him a cult hero: “When I give you instructions, you small c*** and you f**king big c*** should follow through on them. And we’ll have a f**king proper sort-out in here if you get back at me. Okay? Additionally, you can bring your f**king meal, f**k pick someone else to assist you, and couple up if you’d like. Because you’re going to f**king need it by the time I’m done with you.
Terry Howard, a beloved defender, was fired by Sitton in the same dressing room while being filmed. His turbulent rule was brief and unappealing to Leyton players. The former Chelsea defender went from being a well-liked Football League coach to working as a cab driver in his native London after the documentary.
Jim McLean’s Career as a Manager
Famous Clubs Run
Leyton FC and Leyton Orient
Successes
N/A
6 Martin Allen’s tenure: 2003–2018
Martin Allen spent a career living up to his nickname, the Mad Dog, which he adopted from his playing days at West Ham to the managerial hot seat. You certainly didn’t want to get into his bad books. The former Barnet manager, who made it obvious that his team was the best in the country, was a terrifying figure, the kind you’d expect to see in a pub.
Particularly at Brentford, where his “two bob” team advanced to the League One Playoffs in 2006, Allen’s peculiar antics made him a distinctive cult hero. One of his inspiring team-building exercises was plunging into the River Tees prior to an FA Cup match in January. One of the main features of his reign at Griffin Park was his outbursts of rage on the touchline.
Martin Allen’s Career as a Manager
Famous Clubs Run
Leicester, Cheltenham, Notts County, Barnet, Brentford, MK Dons, Gillingham, Eastleigh, and Chesterfield
Successes
Two Promotions
5Barry Fry
Career span: 1974–2006
British football is personified by Barry Fry, the King of the Lower Leagues, who has a wealth of amusing anecdotes from his time in the dugout. A legend of Peterborough United, he led Barnet into the Football League in 1991 and faced an alleged 37 dismissals during his tenure as manager under notorious former chairman Stan Flashman.
Working as an apprentice at Man United gave Fry his break, which involved wild, inebriated evenings with George Best. Unusual incidents included urinating in every area of the St Andrew’s pitch after discovering a 100-year-old curse on Birmingham City’s pitch. The Blues’ manager supervised seven victories in the following ten games, ending their 15-game losing streak. Regretfully, this only served to highlight his insane personality and did not stop his demotion.
Barry Fry’s Career in Management
Famous Clubs Run
Birmingham, Peterborough, Southend, Barnet, and Maidstone
Successes
Football League Trophy x3, EFL League One
4Mick McCarthy
Career span: 1992 -2003
Mick McCarthy was one of the most entertaining managers in British football, whether it was his distinctive Yorkshire accent or his quirky attitude. While on the touchline at teams like the Republic of Ireland, Wolves, or Ipswich Town, the Barnsley-born coach has been involved in a number of strange but amusing incidents.
McCarthy is frank and quick-witted, ready to express his opinions to the media or players, including his famous argument with Roy Keane. The former United captain was sent home from Ireland’s camp due to their severe falling out prior to the 2002 World Cup. His “Careless Whisper” glare into the camera at Molineaux and his response to a reporter who asked if his team’s losing streak could continue were among the amusing moments.
Mick McCarthy’s Career as a Manager
Famous Clubs Run
Sunderland, Wolves, Ipswich, Cardiff, Blackpool, Millwall, Ireland
Successes
EFL Championship twice
3Neil Warnock
Career span: 1980–2024
With his ability to modify his attitude at the touch of a button, Neil Warnock is maybe the most humorous manager to have ever graced British football. As demonstrated by his decision to stand hands on hip in the centre circle and gaze at officials during Cardiff City’s contentious 2-1 loss to Chelsea, he wasn’t scared to express his feelings to them.
Warnock’s ‘f**k off’ to Match of the Day host Gary Lineker is one of his most combustible moments. It would be remiss to overlook his famous team speech from his time as Sheffield United’s manager. Before the former Championship title-winning coach and his players started laughing, the outburst became more heated. He was tired of seeing the former Blades striker and advised poor Danny Cadamarteri to go take a bath.
The Managerial Career of Neil Warnock
Famous Clubs Run
Oldham Athletic, Bury, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, QPR, Leeds, Rotherham, Cardiff, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield, Aberdeen, Burton Albion, Notts County, and Huddersfield
Successes
EFL Championship
2Ian Holloway
1999 – Present
Throughout his managerial career, Ian Holloway’s contagious personality has connected with supporters and epitomised British football. His heart is on his sleeve, which causes dugout conflicts, hysterical guest appearances, and cold press conferences. Many people forget his success, which included leading Blackpool to promotion to the Premier League, because of his eccentricities.
Nevertheless, Holloway doesn’t stay long, moving from squad to club in the most surprising places. He most recently took over Swindon Town in League Two, and the Robins’ fight to stay in the league will undoubtedly benefit greatly from his fervent attitude. The clever one-liners from the coach, who was born in Bristol, are worthy of their own rating.
Ian Holloway’s Career in Management
Famous Clubs Run
Plymouth, Leicester, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Grimsby, Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers, and QPR
Successes
Three Advancements
1Brian Clough
Career span: 1964–1993
Other than Cloughy? Highlights of the legendary former Nottingham Forest manager’s management antics include fighting with his players, hitting fans, and squabbling with board members. He was frank and is renowned for being the best jabberer in sports, rivalling the great boxer Muhammad Ali.
At one point, Brian Clough told his Leeds United players to throw away their medals because he believed they had obtained them by cheating. Despite having a box office mindset, he led Forest and Derby County to the pinnacle of English football. You can choose from a variety of notable remarks that have endured throughout time, and he exuded a swagger that his peers couldn’t match.
“I wouldn’t claim to be the company’s best manager. I was in the top one, though.
Clough solidified his reputation as one of the greatest British managers in history before passing away in September 2004. He would probably deny that assertion and consider himself the greatest “boss” to have ever graced the sport. His accomplishments include leading Derby from the Second Division to the First Division and winning the league title with the Tricky Trees. He also made it to Europe twice with Forest.
The Managerial Career of Brian Clough
Famous Clubs Run
Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Brighton, Derby and Hartlepool
Successes
UEFA Supercup, League Cup, Community Shield, First Division, and European Champion Clubs’ Cup twice
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